Pemmy top of gifts register
SPORT, recreation, arts and culture MEC Pemmy Majodina’s list of gifts, declared on the public register for MECs, covers almost two pages.
On the list was a trip to Mauritius valued at R18 000, an Indian dress and fabric worth R2 000 and more than R4 200 in cash. She also declared more than 110 blankets for Mandela month, a handbag worth R1 900 and a handbag and bookcase worth R3 800. She received birthday gifts worth more than R3 000, a R2 999 wristwatch, perfume, a R5 999 tablet and R10 000 worth of catering for the Siyabonga rally in Sterkspruit.
Premier Phumulo Masualle, also popular, received five sheep, a set of cufflinks, two pens, wine and chocolate.
Rural development and agrarian reform MEC Mlibo Qoboshiyane received a sheep, a Bible, pens and a blesbok. Cooperative governance and traditional affairs MEC Fikile Xasa and education MEC Mandla Makupula listed a sheep each.
According to the register, MEC for finance Sakhumzi Somyo put aside directorships in five companies after being elected to the provincial executive. He resigned as nonexecutive director of the Housing Development Agency, Amatola Water Board, Municipal Councillor Pension Fund and Fort Hare council.
He also resigned as a director of one of the province’s biggest communication companies, Intengu Communication, in April, a month before he was elected into public office. However, he is holding onto his shares in Mzamo Yethu Trading. “I resigned so I can dedicate my entire time and energy to [this] work,” he said. “I also did it to avoid any conflict of interest.”
Masualle is still a director of Masincazelane Investment, while social development MEC Nancy Sihlwayi still chairs the Masakhisizwe Women Empowerment NGO.
The register declares that none of the MECs are earning from any other work than their executive positions. Majodina owns two sites in Jamestown of 1 221m² and 2 330m².
Xasa owns a 368 285ha farm in Stutterheim, and roads and public works MEC Thandiswa Marawu owns a 2 466m² business site in Ugie.
Provincial spokeswoman Nomfanelo Kota said: “I can confirm that all MECs disclosed in terms of the executive code of ethics.”
The register was released a day after it was revealed that Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa is holding on to his shares and directorship in McDonald’s SA, a meat abattoir, a sports car maker and a property firm, resigning only from holdings in industries directly regulated by the state such as mining.